Virginia using iTunes for educational offerings

By eSchool News

April 9th, 2009

Virginia is joining the ranks of U.S. states that offer educational content through Apple’s iTunes Store, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "Virginia on iTunes U" is now available at the popular online music and video store. It is accessible to anyone who has downloaded iTunes on a computer and can be opened by clicking on the "iTunes University" prompt. Virginia’s space is aimed at kindergarten through 12th-grade students, teachers, and parents. Programs provide users with video and audio learning materials ranging from math to history and foreign languages, any of which can be downloaded onto an iPod, iPod touch, or iPhone from a computer with internet access. "The 21st century has presented unprecedented opportunities to expand learning beyond the walls of the traditional schoolhouse," said Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who presided over the launch of "Virginia on iTunes U" at the state Capitol. "We want to embrace those technologies that can help us provide a personal and more meaningful learning experience for students of every kind as we continue to shift our expectations from competence to excellence."